Misty and the NDAA Misty Centre
For years, when Devon residents thought about the North Devon Animal Ambulance (NDAA) and our animal rescue work, many of them automatically thought about Misty the pony who gave his name to the NDAA’s Misty Rescue Centre in Barnstaple.
Sadly, since celebrating his fortieth birthday at the start of 2008, Misty had become increasingly unwell and, despite lots of love, care and pain relief, his quality of life had waned. Reluctantly, our chairperson Pauline had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Misty rest pain-free and at peace. There will never be another Misty.
Misty delighted everyone
Misty may be gone but he’ll never be forgotten. He was an extraordinary pony who did extraordinary things for the local community during his long life.
Involved with the NDAA since its launch, Misty delighted children and adults at events across North Devon. More recently, he gave his name to the North Devon Animal Ambulance Misty Centre, our rescue centre on the outskirts of Barnstaple.
From fetes to fayres, hospice visits to a Christmas carol service for the Children's Hospice South West, Misty inspired thousands of people since he was rescued and welcomed into the NDAA fold. He even appeared at supermarkets, including Tesco, as he worked tirelessly to promote the NDAA's rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work for local domestic pets, farm animals and wild creatures that need help.
Misty (1978 - 2008)
The Misty Appeal
In 2005, Misty helped raise tens of thousands of pounds as the unforgettable figurehead for the North Devon Journal's fund-raising efforts to generate the money needed to build the NDAA's first animal rescue and treatment centre.
Within a few weeks of the appeal being launched, The North Devon Journal and generous Devon residents quickly exceeded an initial target. Spurred on by the reputation of the North Devon Animal Ambulance for committed voluntary work and for spending ALL funds raised on animal care, local animal lovers and well wishers who read the Journal's campaign coverage came up with their own ideas to help the appeal exceed its target. The result was a specially designed treatment and recovery centre for birds, cats and other small animals.
Diana Lewis with Misty, the NDAA’s mascot
Animal rescue and veterinary care isn't cheap. That's why, to ensure that its animal ambulance service and the Misty Centre's work for North Devon's animals can continue, the NDAA needs your continued support.
Fundraising? A donation? Voluntary work? Animal fostering or a secure, happy new home for an abandoned animal? Please contact us to find out more about what you can do.
